People are being encouraged to put their best foot forward and sign up for a special sponsored walk in Peterborough to celebrate the lives of loved ones.

Walk to Remember, which will take place on Sunday 19^th May 2019, is being organised by a dedicated committee of volunteers to raise funds for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.

Starting at The Boathouse pub, Thorpe Meadows, guests will take in the river and woodland on a scenic 6.5K sponsored walk. They will be able to wear a pin-on sign in memory of their loved one. If walkers want to bring along their pooches, they are very welcome.

The walk, which is being sponsored by Whittlesey’s The GSH Group, will end with a special celebration back at the pub, where there will be a reflection area with a memory tree to write dedications on, as well as Sue Ryder staff on hand to talk to if needed.

This is the second year Walk to Remember has taken place; the 2018 event saw hundreds of walkers taking part and it raised over £10,000 for the hospice. Organisers are hoping to raise even more this year.

Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice offers its palliative care and support to patients and their families free of charge; however it needs to raise £2.4 million this year to provide it.

Heading up the Walk to Remember committee of volunteers is Amy Goodacre, whose Mum Tracey was cared for at Thorpe Hall Hospice.

“Last year’s walk was a really friendly, happy celebration and we hope everyone will be able to join us this year,” said Amy. “It will be an opportunity to come together with family and friends and celebrate the lives of loved ones who are no longer with us.

“I started fundraising for Thorpe Hall Hospice to make sure other families have the same expert care as my family did. The hospice gave us time to make so many memories – I could take mum out in her wheelchair and go round the beautiful gardens, which she loved. The nurses and doctors were amazing. They cared for mum so well around the clock. And we were looked after too; there was always someone to talk to. I could see that she was no longer in pain and was happy.”

Donna Young, Head of Hospice Fundraising, said: “Thank you so much to all of the volunteers who are giving up their free time to organise this special remembrance walk. All of the funds raised will help us to be there when it matters for local people and their families.”

To sign up for Walk to Remember on Sunday 19^th May, go to www.sueryder.org/walktoremember

Cost £10 for adults, £5 for children and £25 for a family.

For more information, please contact Thorpe Hall’s fundraising team on 01733 225999 or email thorpe.fundraising@sueryder.org

Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice is the only specialist palliative care inpatient unit in Peterborough. It provides expert palliative care and support for people who are living with life-limiting conditions, as well as supporting their families.